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Occupational injuries in a poor inner-city population
H Frumkin1, M Williamson, D Magid
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Poor and minority inner-city workers face significant occupational injury risks, often leading to lost work time and severe medical/economic consequences. Greater attention to workplace safety for these marginalized groups is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Sociomedical Sciences
Background:
- Inner-city populations face unique occupational health challenges.
- Understanding injury patterns is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize occupational injuries in a poor, inner-city population.
- To identify injury demographics, types, circumstances, and consequences.
Main Methods:
- Case series analysis of patients from an urban injury registry.
- Telephone interviews conducted 2-3 years post-injury.
- Data collected on demographics, employment, injuries, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Respondents were predominantly African-American, with a median age of 32.
- Common industries included healthcare and service sectors.
- Major injury causes: overexertion, sharp object contact, falls; types: sprains/strains, lacerations.
- Significant work absence (over 3 days for half) and persistent health issues (40%) were reported.
- Low workers' compensation receipt (approx. 25%).
Conclusions:
- Poor and minority workers experience diverse occupational injuries with substantial medical and economic impacts.
- These marginalized workers face elevated risks requiring focused workplace safety and preventive strategies.